A fresh disagreement has emerged between Kenya’s two major teachers’ unions over how Junior Secondary Schools (JSS) should be managed.
The Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) wants Junior Schools to operate as independent institutions with their own management structures. The Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT), however, supports the comprehensive school model, where Junior School remains under the same management structure as other levels of the school.
The differing positions were presented during public participation on proposed changes to Kenya’s education laws.
KUPPET argues that Junior Schools should remain within primary school compounds but have separate administration. The union has also called for Junior School managers to have appropriate post-primary teaching qualifications.
KUPPET officials have argued that teachers supervising Junior School educators should have qualifications relevant to the level they are managing.
KNUT has taken a different position, backing the comprehensive school arrangement. The union has raised concerns that separating Junior Schools could affect the transition of learners and place additional pressure on government resources.
The debate is part of wider discussions surrounding six proposed education reform Bills currently undergoing public participation.
Other issues raised by teachers include the proposed treatment of corporal punishment, teachers’ rights during national examinations and the responsibilities of parents and teachers in ensuring children attend school.
KUPPET has also previously raised concerns about the speed of the public participation process, arguing that Kenyans need enough time to understand the proposed laws before giving their views.
The disagreements highlight the wider debate over how Kenya’s Competency-Based Education system should be implemented and how schools should be managed.
As Parliament considers the views submitted during the public participation exercise, the final structure of Junior Schools will depend on the outcome of the legislative process.